Georgia can now open more medical dispensaries, but is the cure for patient access to cannabis?

Since 2015, access to Georgia’s medical cannabis has transformed from rigid prohibition to cautious acceptance, driven by the steadfast determination of patients, families, and veterans seeking better treatment options. Advocacy groups have become the leading voices, highlighting the therapeutic potential of cannabis. Their determined efforts led to landmark legislation, encouraging lawmakers to focus on the impact the plant has on our health. This progress has shown Georgians the transformative power of advocacy.

Which key milestones shaped this progress, and how is Georgia navigating its path toward expanded medical cannabis access?  

Haleigh’s Hope Act

In 2015, the Georgia General Assembly passed the Haleigh’s Hope Act, named for Haleigh Cox, a child whose severe epilepsy highlighted the critical need for medical cannabis access. For families like hers, this law offered a pathway to potential relief. It granted patients with certain conditions the right to possess low-THC cannabis oil. 

These included: 

• Cancer (end-stage or treatment-producing wasting illness or recalcitrant nausea and vomiting)

• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)

• Seizure disorders related to epilepsy or trauma-related head injuries

• Multiple sclerosis (severe or end-stage)

• Crohn's disease

• Mitochondrial disease

• Parkinson's disease (severe or end-stage)

• Sickle cell disease (severe or end-stage)

However, the absence of a legal framework for producing or distributing this oil underscored the need for additional measures for consistent patient access. Evidence shows that cannabis can reduce seizures. Additionally, studies have consistently demonstrated its potential to provide relief where conventional treatments may fail. Over time, patient advocacy efforts succeeded in pushing the state to expand the list of qualifying conditions, making medical cannabis accessible to more individuals in need. 

Expansion of Qualifying Conditions

In 2017, Georgia expanded its list of conditions eligible for low-THC cannabis oil through the passage of Senate Bill 16, making it clear lawmakers can further validate its role in medical care. The conditions added were: 

• AIDS (severe or end-stage)

• Alzheimer's disease (severe or end-stage)

• Autism spectrum disorder (severe for patients under 18; all for patients 18 or older)

• Epidermolysis bullosa

• Peripheral neuropathy (severe or end-stage)

• Tourette's syndrome (severe)

This expansion reflected a growing recognition of cannabis' therapeutic properties, supported by research indicating its positive impact on reducing involuntary muscle movements and improving quality of life.

Continued Expansion of Georgia’s Medical Program

In 2018, Georgia further expanded its list of qualifying conditions with the House Bill 65. This change provided new treatment options for veterans and individuals living with chronic pain, offering alternatives to traditional medications. This change demonstrated the therapeutic value of cannabis for those facing persistent health challenges. 

It included two additional conditions:

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) resulting from direct exposure to or witnessing of a trauma for patients aged 18 or older

• Intractable pain

The research consistently supports cannabis as a safer alternative to opioids, reducing dependency and providing effective pain relief without the risk of overdose. This change exemplifies a data-driven shift in medical treatment options. 

Creation of Georgia Access to Medical Cannabis Commission

In 2019, Georgia reached a turning point with the passage of House Bill 324, known as Georgia's Hope Act. This legislation created the Georgia Access to Medical Cannabis Commission, a crucial step toward transforming hope into access. For thousands of patients, it meant the potential for in-state production of low-THC oil. This milestone laid the foundation for a more compassionate and regulated medical cannabis market.

Licensing Delays and Backlash

In 2021, the Georgia Department of Public Health reported 20,000 patients on its Low-THC Oil Patient Registry, a figure that rose to 25,000 by 2022 before declining to 14,207 by September 2024. While these delays have frustrated patients, studies show that consistent access to cannabis-based treatments can lead to improved outcomes for patients with chronic conditions. These challenges highlighted areas in Georgia’s cannabis regulatory framework that required further refinement to ensure consistent patient access.

This led to significant frustration for patients, advocacy groups, and business owners. While these delays have frustrated patients, studies show that consistent access to cannabis-based treatments can lead to improved outcomes for patients with chronic conditions.  

First Medical Cannabis Dispensaries Open to Federal Considerations and Hurdles

In April 2023, Georgia's medical cannabis patients witnessed a pivotal milestone as the state’s first licensed dispensaries began operations. Later in the year, Georgia became the first state to permit independent pharmacies to distribute low-THC cannabis oil, with 120 pharmacies participating. This initiative significantly broadened access to treatments that could improve patients' quality of life. 

Federal Considerations and Hurdles

In November 2023, Georgia's medical cannabis program encountered challenges as the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) issued formal warnings to independent pharmacies, citing federal law restrictions due to cannabis' classification as a Schedule I substance. This tension between federal and state regulations spurred legal debates to resolve conflicts and improve patient access. A continuous collaboration is critical to ensuring patients maintain access to their treatments without legal obstacles.

Three’s Company in Georgia Medical Cannabis

Three companies, Botanical Sciences, Fine Fettle, and Trulieve, currently operate in Georgia's medical cannabis industry. They are licensed to cultivate and distribute medical cannabis oil to meet patient needs and bring new treatment options to fruition. Despite federal hurdles, numerous studies have documented cannabis’ medical benefits, prompting advocacy for reconciliation between state-led innovations and federal policy to guarantee continued patient care.

Continued Expansion and Advocacy

Georgia’s journey toward expanded medical cannabis access highlights the power of advocacy, legislative progress, and the persistent demand for compassionate care. Despite federal hurdles and regulatory challenges, the state has made significant strides by licensing dispensaries, involving independent pharmacies, and expanding the list of qualifying conditions.

As advocacy efforts continue, the Georgia Access to Medical Cannabis Commission plays a pivotal role in overseeing the program's growth. Emerging initiatives, such as adding anxiety and depression to the list of qualifying conditions, signal a promising future for patients seeking alternative treatments.

Looking ahead, Georgia stands at a crossroads where innovation in patient care can meet the challenges of federal regulation. The path forward demands collaboration, transparency, and a commitment to ensuring that patients receive safe, reliable, and high-quality medical cannabis treatments. With continued efforts, Georgia has the opportunity to set an example for other states by fostering a compassionate, effective medical cannabis program.